About the Guest Editor(s): Dr Vipin Vijay Nair

Dr. Vipin Vijay Nair is an Associate Professor in Behavioural Sciences with a Ph.D. specialising in criminology, forensic psychology, and cyberpsychology. He is an International Fellow of the International Fellowship of Restorative Justice Practitioners (IFRJP). His work integrates psychological, criminological, and technological perspectives, with a strong focus on victimology, financial crime, cyber-enabled offences, and restorative justice frameworks.

He has contributed to interdisciplinary scholarship through research publications, curriculum design (including Cyber Psychology and Neuropsychology of Criminal Behaviour), and editorial mentorship (e.g., Global Advances in Victimology and Psychological Studies). His current research explores psychological susceptibility in online scams and the intersection of restorative justice with emerging digital harms. He is actively engaged in global academic networks and conferences, including collaborations with institutions and scholars across the Global South

About the Special Issue:

As digital technologies rapidly reshape social, economic, and relational landscapes, young people, particularly in the Global South, are navigating increasingly complex ecosystems of opportunity and risk. From cyber-enabled financial fraud and online grooming to identity-based exploitation and algorithmic manipulation, youth vulnerability is no longer confined to physical spaces. Yet, much of the existing scholarship remains Western-centric, overlooking the lived realities, structural inequalities, and socio-cultural dynamics that shape youth experiences in emerging economies.

This Special Issue seeks to recenter the discourse by foregrounding Global South perspectives, integrating criminology, cyberpsychology, victimology, and socio-legal studies, and amplifying youth voices in both research and policy.

Aims of the Special Issue:

• – To examine emerging forms of youth victimisation in digital environments
• – To develop context-sensitive, Global South frameworks of vulnerability and resilience
• – To bridge psychological susceptibility models with criminological and legal analysis
• – To promote youth-led, participatory, and interdisciplinary research
• – To generate policy-relevant insights for prevention, intervention, and justice

Suggested Themes:

We welcome theoretical, empirical, and interdisciplinary submissions on topics including:

• – Cyber-enabled victimisation (romance scams, sextortion, financial fraud targeting youth)
• – Psychological vulnerability, persuasion, and digital manipulation
• – Social media, identity construction, and validation economies
• – Technology-facilitated gender-based violence among youth
• – Youth and financial crime (including digital payments, crypto-related risks)
• – Digital inequality and structural marginalisation in the Global South
• – Restorative justice and victim-centric approaches for youth
• – Legal and policy responses to cybercrime affecting young populations
• – Youth-led research, participatory methods, and lived experience narratives
• – Preventive frameworks: cyber hygiene, digital literacy, and resilience-building

 Who Should Submit:

We strongly encourage submissions from:

• – Researchers and academics (criminology, psychology, law, sociology, public policy)
• – Practitioners (NGOs, cybercrime units, mental health professionals, educators)
• – Policymakers and legal experts
• – Early-career researchers and doctoral scholars
• – Authors from the Global South
• – Youth researchers and co-authored submissions with young people

What Makes This Special Issue Unique:

• – A strong emphasis on Global South epistemologies and lived realities
• – Integration of cyberpsychology + criminology + victimology
• – Focus on emerging and under-theorised forms of digital victimisation
• – Commitment to youth voice, inclusion, and participatory research
• – Direct relevance to policy, practice, and real-world interventions

Submission Information:

1. Call for Abstracts

The deadline for submitting abstracts is 15 January 2027

• Word Limit: 250 words

2. Full Paper Submission

The deadline for submitting full manuscripts is 15 March 2027

• Word Limit: 5,000–8,000 words (including references)

The intended publication date of the Special Issue will be September 2027

• Abstracts and manuscripts should be submitted via email to yvj@rj4allpublications.com
• Please include:
  • – Author name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details
  • – Indication: “YVJ Special Issue Submission – [Abstract/Full Paper]”

Editorial Policy:

If you wish and are interested in contributing to the YVJ, please consult our Author Guidelines and Editorial Policy outlining all the key information.

The Youth Voice Journal is published by RJ4All Publications, a branch of Restorative Justice for All (RJ4All) International Institute which is an international NGO with a mission to advance community and social cohesion, and redistribute power within society at the local, national and international levels.